Queensland coronavirus: Five new cases overnight, total at 999

Queensland recorded five new cases of coronavirus, with the state’s total number of cases now sitting at 999. It comes as authorities express concerns about the number of cases picked up interstate and warn of continued restrictions.

QUEENSLAND has recorded its lowest rise in COVID-19 cases since early March, with just five new cases recorded overnight.

The state’s tally now sits at 999, after some numbers were revised.

Health Minister Steven Miles said 11 people remained in intensive care, with 10 of them on ventilators.

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A total of 442 Queenslanders have recovered, leaving 552 active cases.

Both Mr Miles and Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young have expressed concern about the number of cases coming from interstate.

An additional 11 COVID-19 cases were announced yesterday.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk addresses the media on new coronavirus cases. Picture: Annette Dew

It comes as debate continues about the level of social restrictions required as the rate of infection drops, and as parents come to terms with State Government plans for schools in the next semester.

The State Government this morning announced new ambulance resources, with dozens of Queensland Ambulance Service officers fast-tracked int Queensland communities.

“We know we will continue to see more cases over the coming weeks which is why we’re fast-tracking paramedic training, to get extra sets of hands into Queensland communities,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Our ambulance officers are playing a big role in identifying potential COVID-19 cases and getting patients to facilities where they can be tested, isolated and treated as required.”

QAS Triple Zero (000) Operations Centres will also get a boost, with an additional 15 Emergency Medical Dispatchers to begin training on 27 April 2020.

The State Government has said children will only be expected to learn for two or three hours a day, admitting it will be tough for some parents to juggle full-time wok and schooling.

The Opposition in Queensland has called for mums and dads to be able to make their own decision on schooling, raising concerns of a “two-tier education system” in which some children would be left behind.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison will today urge teachers to return to classrooms, warning the education of students hangs in the balance.